In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Lauras sit down with Kylie Viens, registered dietitian and diabetes educator, to talk about something most people have been taught incorrectly:

How not to be on a diet.

We break down what the word “diet” actually means — and how diet culture turned it into restriction, deprivation, and short-term fixes that rarely work.

This conversation challenges the idea that your metabolism is “broken” or that the solution to better health is eating less. Instead, we focus on how to eat in a way that supports strength, energy, performance, and long-term health — without cutting out entire food groups or living in food rules.

We cover:

• Why most diets fail (and why that’s not a personal failure)

• What actually influences metabolism beyond calories

• The role of muscle, protein, and strength training in staying metabolically strong

• How fiber and whole foods support blood sugar, cholesterol, and satiety

• Why caffeine, sleep, and recovery matter more than most people realize

• How to think about carbohydrates and fats without labeling foods as “good” or “bad”

This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.
In Part 2, we’ll talk about navigating holidays, what dietitians really mean by “meal prep,” favorite go-to foods, and how to build an eating approach that fits real life.

🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2.

Connect with Kylie Viens & FlyFit Nutrition

Website: ⁠Fly Fit Nutrition

Book a Free 15 minute Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/flyfitnutrition/15min

Instagram: ⁠@dietitianforpilots

On The Ascent: Health is produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, Alaska — a clinic dedicated to helping people stay strong, active, and adventurous for life. Connect with Dr. Laura & Ascent Health & Performance

Website: ⁠https://ascentak.com/⁠

Podcast : ⁠ascentak.com/podcast⁠

Instagram: ⁠@ascenthealth_ak⁠